“I’d say the same about you.”
He shook his head. “Not really. I only belong because of your family. No one will miss me.”
I would. I already lost you once. Don’t make me live it again.Starting over hadn’t worked out the way she’d wanted. Could she move to Hawaii and try again? The new setting would only hide her pain for a little while. She probably should offer to leave but couldn’t bring herself to consider it.
“On to other topics. You went to the coffee shop today. How was Soupy?” he asked.
She met his pleasant smile with a fake one of her own. He’d given her the cue, and she’d follow suit. He wanted to back away from real talk. If she stopped, she wouldn’t push him away. She could survive a little longer without any progress or answers.
* * *
Seated on one of the two leather club chairs, Christopher studied the arrangement again, wishing he could pretend he hadn’t just asked such a pointless question. He’d really had no choice. Fear forced him to stick to the plan and avoid anything even hinting aboutthem.
Too easily, he could picture her at the Hotel Lavande. She’d run it with aplomb. He’d teased her about finding her a job far from his domain. But he couldn’t argue the merits. She could soar anywhere. She’d shine in Hawaii. He could help her financially. He’d do anything. He could buy the resort for her, taking on the mortgage.
Because he couldn’t bear listening to her tell him he was her default and never her choice. He’d shouldered a lot. But he could never come back from that.
Treating her like an equal, he should fill her in on Zach’s machinations. She should know how the man attempted to manipulate her. He didn’t want to weaken their fragile bond by sharing painful information. He wasn’t much better than Zach, and Zach at least gave her ghost far more credence.
Christopher had placed two flashlights, two walkie-talkies, two notepads, and two pens on the low coffee table. A neat and tidy pairing of items for their mission. Before they could use the tools, they’d first need to work out the details, and discussing their feelings wasn’t part of it.
He was relieved to have something to focus on because he was more confused than ever. He’d never claimed to understand women. Any man who did was a clown. At one time, however, he’d known her heart better than his own.While he couldn’t claim expertise anymore, he’d swear he heard an invitation in his SUV. Of course, he had to be wrong.
What he needed was time to get himself organized. He needed a plan. His lawyer would have plenty. First, however, he needed to understand what she wanted. He’d have the lawyer draw up paperwork with a payout that would be more than generous. She considered the property a winner-take-all scenario. He wanted to fight fair.
But now he wasn’t sure what to do or say.
In such situations, he typically kept silent. But she hated quiet. He had uttered the ridiculous question that popped into his mind. And then he decided to repeat it. “How was Soupy?”
A knock sounded at the door, saving her from an immediate reply.
“Sorry, I ordered some food. I hope you’re hungry.”
“I am.” She licked her lips.
He got up from the chair and crossed the room, glad to put some space between them.
A uniformed server stood on the other side of the door, holding a tray.
“Thank you,” Christopher said, grabbing the wooden handles.
With a nod, the staff member shut the door.
“Can you clear a space on the table?”
She nodded.
He crossed the room and lowered the burden to the top, lifting off the silver lids on several plates piled high with meats, cheeses, dried fruit, and crackers.
“No candied pecans? Or the rosemary-cured olives?” she asked.
He frowned and stared at the tray.Itwas a plate of food to him, nothing more and nothing less.
She crossed to the desk and picked up the phone, calling in a request to the kitchen.
“Sorry. I guess I’m out of my depth.”
“It’s okay. I love food. But if I’m going to eat, I don’t want to just mindlessly consume. I want to enjoy my meal. Bring out flavors with contrasts. Sometimes, the most surprising combinations make the most delicious treats.”
